Happy 6 Month Book Birthday to Shrimp ‘n Lobster
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." - Ernest Hemingway
I can’t believe it’s been six months since Shrimp ‘n Lobster Adventure San Francisco and New York City were released! Their journey started back in 2014 as simple holiday cards and now they are a 112-page educational book series for kids! Friends have spotted them at the airport and local bookstores. Shrimp ‘n Lobster are definitely making their rounds, and it’s really exciting! Most importantly, it’s amazing to receive support from friends, family and new Shrimp 'n Lobster fans as I continue outlining future expeditions! It also reminds me to why I started this journey in the first place.
What's the lesson I’ve learned in the last six months?
The best thing I learned is to be patient and kind to myself and let Shrimp ‘n Lobster go. I mean this in a very protective momma way. My little guys have a team at the Collective Book Studio pushing them to buyers and events. I’m sure my salty bff’s are having a blast considering they love new experiences. I, for one, can learn something from them! Shrimp is so peppy and ready for his mark! Something I shy away from. And Lobster’s mild manner and assertive “claws-in” attitude make him a true leader. His strength is something I admire! I know you must be thinking, “You must already have these characteristics since these are your characters.” This is far from the truth. Their quirky and outgoing personalities are attributes that I wish I had, as I prefer to write and illustrate away from attention. My publisher who has championed Shrimp ‘n Lobster from the beginning reinforces that slow and steady wins the race. So what’s the lesson? Trust the process. It might be slow, but people are starting to recognize Shrimp ‘n Lobster and that’s amazing!
I also found that mentorship is crucial. I was lucky to have made connections through friends and social media to find and be inspired by some amazing creatives and business people. Never stop learning and always seek out people who understand the industry or who have already been through it that can advise and encourage you. The bonus, you might find more people in your corner than you think which makes you stronger for the journey ahead.
Shrimp ‘n Lobster received a gold award!
And I’m not talking about the Winter Olympics in China. The San Francisco Adventure book received gold at the PubWest Book Design Awards for best design in a travel series! A massive accomplishment for The Collective Book Studio and designer Dave Miles at Bushel and Peck Books.
Shrimp ‘n Lobster are really out there!
What’s really cool is receiving photos of my book from people I know that have spotted Shrimp ‘n Lobster. One of my favorites is at the San Francisco International Airport. Books Inc. have become amazing salty bff advocates! And because Shrimp ‘n Lobster LOVE to travel, their residence at SFO couldn’t be more fitting! I will also be signing copies for this venue! So keep your eyes peeled!
Shrimp ‘n Lobster have also been spotted at the Ferry Building! You can’t miss them up front and center at Bay Crossings. It’s a fabulous location where you can purchase ferry tickets and all sorts of fun SF travel goods and information. It’s expedition worthy!
They have also made their home in SF Mercantile, the location of my very first book launch! And have also been spotted in Golden Gate Park’s Botanical Garden Bookstore too. A perfect location for Lobster who loves the quiet and serene.
I can’t leave the east coast! Look for Shrimp ‘n Lobster as you explore the New York Transit Museum. A thrilling venue that has us ALL-ABOARD–TRAVEL. I will be heading to New York in April to take part in an Explorers Club gala and to visit venues up the New England Coast to Boston visiting those that love Shrimp ‘n Lobster, that’s NOT on the menu! Woo-hoo!
What’s next?
As we celebrate the six month mark for my first published books I’m gearing up for the third. I will be welcoming the New England Adventure of Shrimp ‘n Lobster in May. You can pre-order it on Amazon! I worked on this book during lockdown. Thank goodness for such a wonderful distraction during all the tension. It’s only fitting that the book comes out in the spring as new growth quite literally springs to bloom! I hope I didn’t just embarrass Shrimp ‘n Lobster by saying that.
I will also be attending the Bay Area Book Festival, May 6-7th. I will be there signing books and visiting with people who love my salty bff’s as much as I do! I’m really excited for this super fun meet and greet alongside my publisher, Angela Engle.
Hey you guys can help!
Your opinion matters! For all of you that have supported me and purchased my Shrimp ‘n Lobster books, thank you! Luckily when purchasing Shrimp 'n Lobster books you've got a choice! From Amazon to small retailers. One thing that people look at most are the reviews. So if you purchased a book, and write a review on Amazon would be amazing! Help Shrimp 'n Lobster shine!
Thank you! And happy exploring!